Police squad scoops environment award

A SQUAD from Cheshire Police bagged a national award in honour of their commitment to reducing costs and environmental awareness.

The facilities management team were handed the Sustainability and Environmental Impact award at the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Awards 2014 in London.

The Cheshire team’s accolade recognised the group’s efforts to deliver sustainable and environmental initiatives in its day-to-day business.

The constabulary’s submission included a case study about a project undertaken to reduce costs when disposing of cannabis and other waste materials seized from cannabis farms.

This disposal process was costing the force around £36,000 per year, but the group’s new way of working has reduced that to almost nothing, and has also generated some income from the recycled materials.

The new processes have also removed the use of contractors and seen the introduction of designated stations across the country for waste disposal.

If introduced nationally, it was shown that the team’s innovative thinking could save the country more than £2m.

Emma Marvell, head of facilities, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have achieved national recognition at the highest level within the facilities management industry.

“To win the award against blue chip companies, with our limited budget and resources is a testament to how hard our FM team work to promote environmental management and sustainability and proves the message has reached the whole organisation.”

The constabulary has reduced its carbon footprint by 22 per cent over the past five years, avoiding costs equivalent to £1.6m.

Simon Byrne, the force’s Chief Constable, said: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously so I’m delighted for our facilities team and for the force as a whole.”